To the editor:

An article in the June 28 Record stated correctly that I spend $1,000 per month in Oak Harbor. I do not spend most of that on the boat, however.

Because my boat is at Oak Harbor, I do much of my shopping as I travel back and forth, including groceries, hardware and drugstore items, gas for my car and other purchases. We eat at restaurants there. I rent a slip at the Oak Harbor Marina, and fill my boat’s gas tank there when I feel I can afford much boating.

As the article states, we would prefer to spend this money in the South End, such as in Langley, Freeland or Clinton, if a user-friendly marina with ample room and services were available at one of those locations.

The marina design currently being considered by the Port of South Whidbey for Langley should be modified to facilitate boat storage outside the water on dry stack racks or trailers, which is becoming a common money-making strategy.

The fairgrounds and local schools might like extra revenue from renting space, if the marina arranged the towing (for a fee). Boaters from the Seattle region who want easier access to the San Juans might take advantage of relocating their boat here, and spend money in the community.

A marina design that has an extra-wide boat ramp for a boat lift and towing service, and a substantial low-tide dock, would plan for the future. Providing stern end-ties along the breakwater could provide additional slips for far more boats. A water taxi service available to protected buoys and floats could accommodate overflow demand on summer weekends.

The port is working to fulfill its statutory and fiduciary responsibilities to improve the economic development of South Whidbey in a cost-effective way. The design could be improved to accommodate far more boats paying user fees. It would attract more boaters (who are customers for retailers and other service providers) if their real need for convenient access to their boats were met. Public funds should be used judiciously to attract private spending by boaters and stimulate private investment.

David R. Powers

Clinton